QB Josh Freeman A Much-Needed Signing for New York Giants

By Cian Lynch

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The New York Giants and quarterback Josh Freeman have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. Freeman will most likely fill the No. 2 role behind starting quarterback Eli Manning and in front of quarterbacks Curtis Painter and Ryan Nassib.

Freeman was a great signing for the Giants. Manning underwent ankle surgery on Apr. 10, and Freeman is a viable backup in case the surgery leads to further health problems at any point in the future. In addition, Freeman provides the Giants with another option in case Manning’s level of play continues from last season into the 2014 season. Manning threw a career-high 26 interceptions last season, and the Giants are wary of Manning’s mediocre production possibly continuing into next year. This concern absolutely factored into why the Giants pursued and signed Freeman.

Last season, the Giants had no other choice but to stick with Manning while he was played the worst football of his career. Painter has been a train wreck throughout his four-year career with six career touchdowns to match 13 career interceptions, and Nassib was just a rookie last season who would have struggled more than Manning or Painter did.

However, the Giants can now turn to Freeman when necessary. Freeman was released by the Minnesota Vikings last season after only playing just one game, but let’s not forget his 2010 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he played 16 games, threw for 3,451 yards, 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Freeman is only 26 years old, and if Manning’s struggles continue or he has health problems next year, the Giants will be facing a legitimate quarterback controversy.

Cian Lynch is a New York Giants writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @CianL1 or add him to your network on Google